Rhye: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

April 9, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- It seemed only fitting that when Rhye performed the band's Tiny Desk Concert that it be at night, illuminated by flickering light. The music Mike Milosh sings and writes conjures the evening and a swaying, romantic vibe.
It was five years ago nearly to the day that we filmed Rhye by candlelight in New York City as the band toured for its enigmatic album Woman. Mike Milosh requested that Rhye's members be filmed "only in silhouette, with the lights dimmed low" at Le Poisson Rouge show.
This time around the hundred or so flickering lights set the tone for the sextet of strings, keyboard, guitar, bass and drums to perform music from 2018's Blood. The sound is warm and velvety, all the instruments gently pulsing, as Mike Milosh softly sings with that high-pitched yearn.
Tiny Desk Concerts are often awkward by nature - bands playing in the middle of an office in the daytime for musicians used to playing in the evening, with stage lighting. But there was a special transformation that took place at this Tiny Desk the moment the music kicked in. I'm a sucker for a vibe in music - that feeling when a sound completely shifts the mood of a room. This vibe was more like a house show than an office, which put me in a pensive, pleasant place. Sit back and enjoy.
Set List
"Please"
"Taste"
"Song For You"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Bronson Arcuri, CJ Riculan, Dani Lyman; Production Assistant: Joshua Bote; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.

[@justinetourtellotte8264]

NPR- "How Many candles do you want?" Rhye- "yes."

[@anavhs9810]

ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴀɴʏ ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛꜱ, ɪᴛ ʟᴏᴏᴋꜱ ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇʟʏ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜꜱ

[@anapark-bs4xu]

@@anavhs9810 I think those are led candles powered by battery. Don't worry

[@ornellakayitaba5507]

@@anapark-bs4xu yeahhh

[@mlightcap4073]

You can never have enough candles...warms the soul.

[@Pohlolol]

Platitude : "Fantasy is infinite" You : "No" / "Hold my brain" / "so underrated" repetition kills you

[@saddad6601]

This is nothing like how I pictured her.

[@ms.ongnipotent]

Lol

[@onelove750]

Lol i was the same but what tunes one is as good as the next 🎶🤗

[@bostonboybob]

she/they to you thank you very much!!!!

[@nickporch8262]

Dude facts

[@lonmariage2456]

That is hilarious

[@sarahbarbary3366]

I have no idea why, but I always imagined Rhye as a sultry woman.

[@SalzwedelKempCaleb]

Because of the album title

[@kofiperry19]

he has a high voice!

[@GhostfaceGZA]

You're not alone. I remember when their first album came out everyone was saying the same thing

[@marosteeha]

Up until this videos I swore it was a Brazilian looking woman with brown wavy hair

[@filterman0623]

And he sounds like Sade!

[@ridgoro]

Rhye is a dude? this is a major revelation in my quarantine days

[@carlosbahena3172]

XD yup.

[@PeacefulBreathing]

😂

[@pol_larrea]

I'm shocked!!

[@callista1994]

So chill

[@gomezkeith]

Same!!!

[@MultiZelda13]

Androgynous voices are so cool.

[@alexlungs8835]

ultimately sensual

[@jpg1392]

My voice is androgynous. Some days I sound like a dude, and some days I sound like a lady. You never know what you get. Depends on my mood mainly. I’m a girl :P

[@Cole-wo3nz]

anyone else appreciating the cello and violin players?!? Everyone here so talented and in the POCKET! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@kevinhanson6106]

They are exceptional!

[@RickR69]

I appreciate the fact that Mike Milosh started talking to his wife when she were 16 and he were in his 30s and they married when she were 20 and he were in his late 30s and now she's an activist against groomers and abusers in entertainment. I think that's really neat.

[@jwuski]

It's not just the pitch/register that made me picture Rhye as having a female lead vocal. There's an airy quality that made me think of Sade... (who apparently turned 60 recently!)

[@RickR69]

I think it's neat that Mike Milosh (the singer) started talking to his wife when she were 16 and he were in his 30s and they married when she were 20 and he were in his late 30s and now she's an activist against groomers and abusers in entertainment. I think that's really fun.

[@FriendlySpiderFriend]

I can her each instrument individually, yet they all sound like one, amazing musicianship

[@ingwis]

Amazing sound engineer too!

[@rbrown0577]

Most relevant comment on the board. The cellist / trombone chick is ridiculous.

[@sukumarparitossh]

Is it just me or is the bass in this ridiculously perfect? Like I wish there was some way to turn bass notes into something solid just so it can be literally licked...

[@devtrou3844]

It's called....a bass

[@dharma67uk]

@@devtrou3844 sub woofer!

[@perlyax]

You are free to lick that bass man, but it might not taste as good as it sounds

[@larissachanelle]

I understand and agree.

[@oshaw9186]

Who cares that He's a man... This is the best singer, song writer & group that I've hear in years. The whole album reminds me of a cool fall night, laying on the balcony drinking wine and looking at the stars making memories with that special one...that one you will never forget.

[@martinfernandez6897]

we love him

[@user-ru3hj5zp3k]

i loved his music until i read what he did to alexa nikolas :'(

[@RickR69]

I appreciate the fact that Mike Milosh started talking to his wife when she were 16 and he were in his 30s and they married when she were 20 and he were in his late 30s and now she's an activist against groomers and abusers in entertainment. I think that's really neat.

[@milliezie5585]

these tiny desk concerts make me feel so loved and understood it's awfully lovely

[@isaurabermejo1784]

This tiny desk is absolutely perfect but I just can't enjoy it the same way I did before finding out everything Milosh did to his ex wife, so sad :(

[@calliopelove]

I know! I love his voice and his music, but knowing what I know now, it does kind of spoil it. Shame.

[@maxdejong2332]

I just looked into this and apparently the lawsuit was dropped after her attorneys didn't submit any evidence to backup the claims

[@tomasgonzalez9804]

my boy in the rose shirt killing me softly on guitar... epic solo!

[@TheStefankunz]

Brilliant. Please - 0:01 Taste - 4:31 Song For You - 11:43

[@mirzalazuardi6558]

you need to be higher

[@Ryanin2D]

Mirza Lazuardi give him some weed

[@hayleyb467]

Yessssssss here for taste & only taste ♡_♡

[@Zoenak]

There is one more after 9:10 no? Which one haha

[@diegolagunas6610]

@@Zoenak its still "taste"

[@TheOmar]

It's like Robin Gibb (Bee Gees) + Sade + Little Dragon + Maxwell all rolled into one. Love it

[@thembashawn]

This!!!!

[@Andylina89]

You couldn’t describe this art better! ♥️

[@MrD-tu3hp]

We need a NPR playlist on all streaming services

[@doctor19741]

Amen!!!!!!!

[@ebenezermemani4097]

the guitar solo on Taste performance is nothing short of amazing

[@ceebebeh]

His voice is so effortless, I’ve barely seen his lips move.. so beautiful though brings tears to my eyes

[@RickR69]

You know what else is effortless? Talking to a 16 year old who loves your music when you're in your 30s and then marrying her 4 years later. Because that's what Rhye did and they've since divorced and now she's an activist against groomers and abusers in the entertainment biz.

[@marekAcDc100]

Ultimate goal is to have Rhye sing on my wedding

[@anthonyreis3533]

That guitar solo during Taste was all I needed at 2am to head to bed elated I'm living through this era with Rhye.

[@Stevepegrm]

Yes just listening now. 🎶 ❤

[@shaze071]

My Tiny Desk Family..... you all keep surprising me with such a diversified smorgasbord of musical genius. The candlelight definitely set the 'right' ambiance. Thank you!!!

[@WordOfJas]

Probably seen this 10x if not more, and now I play this for my 8 month old when I put her to sleep. It instantly calms her 💕

[@Joan-ot9nf]

She already recognises good music 😏

[@nathanielcadena7045]

Easily the best tiny desk concert it literally brought me to tears... although might have something to do with me just finding out i am a father now

[@nathanielcadena7045]

Dakota Hope Thank you so much I appreciate that. I hope the best for you too. Much love :)

[@keli6064]

Congrats! Hope it’s been a good year of fatherhood

[@amers516]

It brought me to tears too. Congrats!

[@natioviedonat]

I find it incredible that as humans we are so talented to create this kind of art that transmits so much love and at the same time we are capable of destroying ourselves, killing animals and being so selfish. It is good to find these spaces of peace every so often. Thank you Rhye and NPR. 😊

[@anthonyreis3533]

Life is about the balance lol

[@user-ru3hj5zp3k]

i loved his music until i read what he did to alexa nikolas :'( that was not human

[@ProduccionesRyM]

actually the singer has various exs who accuse him of abuse, Alexa Nikolas is one example

[@natioviedonat]

@@ProduccionesRyM thanks for sharing! Didn't know that :(

[@kalebsuedfeld6651]

Do you think our ability to create beauty is worth the destruction we cause?

[@jamey81lee]

The redhead lady is hitting those smooth gospel chord movements on the break at the end. She's killing it. I wanna hear her on more stuff. She's crazy smooth.

[@7Continents1Passport]

I just can't stop listening to the second song! Brillant 🤩

[@ThreeElevenage]

I saw Rhye at Union Transfer in Philly a little while after Woman was released and I can still say that was the greatest show I've ever been to. I went with a very dear friend and the crowd was so well behaved that when they went over their time, Milosh asked us all to promise to remain so, so quiet so he could deliver an A Capella encore. The thought is still so fresh and warm.

[@jguzman002]

Rhye is my Roman Empire. 14 years of being a fan ❤

[@boomboom6577]

The artistry, the precision of sound with all those instruments together, is mind-blowing. The live in Paris airport show shows that too. This is musical perfection.

[@ghermanemilia7755]

Harmony

[@Eurena97]

It has been a Long time since I’ve watched this video but it stills feels like home ❤️

[@brandonlayte9145]

My personal favourite set on NPR, just so good start to finish, Taste has me like "ooooooh". Just brilliant Rhye.

[@mute2633]

Personal NPR favs 1.Anderson paak. 2.Rhye *EDIT:Mac Miller is my top 1

[@jennalvmen]

and Jorja Smith!

[@patricktojino2315]

mac miller

[@carlosmarochi4430]

Lianne LaHavas

[@petraariely8988]

Tom Mish

[@rhiannaa.s7029]

Goldlink

[@ruthganan]

They sound like fresh air in the middle of this crazy world........

[@makudonarudokairu]

Kudos to whoever setup the sound for this..... nailed it.

[@Ed.B.V4MO]

Like and listen to Rhye for about 3 years now. As a Brazilian, I can only understand 55% of the words he pronounces… it’s ok, I still love his music, is way too good 🔥

[@readyforencore]

This session is just so incredibly good! The recording, the performance, the ambiance. I need this in lossless.

[@richardpeters4881]

NPR has taken music recognition of accomplished artists to a new high! Bravo

[@marietroitskaia]

It's not a music it's magic!!!

[@nobs2904]

Thx to the Audio Engineer! Great Job and one of the best mixes, ever heard!

[@bimyou9555]

Respect 🙌

[@loraleeneg9839]

First time hearing this artist. Thank you for bringing this music to us.

[@SunflowerDeee]

I never imagined I’d cherish the sound of voice cracking the way I have after this performance. 13:20

[@camilagd7]

If possible, I recommend 10/10 watching them live. Beaaaauuuuutiful, heaven-like experience.

[@hombamazaleni]

The female violinist! must be the most captivating out of everyone, shes so good its attractive

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

Rhye is truly a rare gem among numerous electronic bands. They create these gorgeous vibes so effortlessly. How can I not love them!

[@auroraalvarez2879]

WE NEED TINY DESK CONCERTS ON SPOTIFY PLEASE!

[@macviviezca]

This came up in my feed a week ago and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. My two daughters (3 and 9 yrs. old) can't stop humming all three songs. Such beautiful melodies with each instrument doing what they're supposed to do without overpowering one another. Thank you NPR for giving me what I need during this crazy time in our lives.

[@fredrjc7152]

My cold is healed.

[@DoNotWatchYoutubeShorts]

nice name mr. philosopher

[@Juyomayo]

OMGGG!! He's such a handsome man! Watching him sing the line "I'm a fool for your belly" would have given me a heart attack!

[@JBijouxee]

Wow. Song For You is perfect. I am in love with that song but this version is just mind blowing.

[@GagaBoy1346]

I've been listening to them since Open in 2014 and it's so unbelievable how beautiful Mikey's voice is.

[@nutcase1]

Mikey? His name is Milosh

[@saxonde68]

What an insanely talented group of musicians… everyone is exercising an incredible amount of restraint, while staying on time, in the pocket, and vibing together. Even in moments when the timing shifts, everybody is still together, and it still manages to be the kind of “rocking out” that wouldn’t even keep your neighbors up. Love what y’all do!

[@CXD3]

A song for you...feels like a warm hug in a cold cold rainy day!

[@mt9977]

When COVID first started in China, I was too anxious and I had to listen to this video every night to go to sleep. Thanks Rhye. Thanks tiny desk.

[@mgv92115]

one of my best discoveries of the 2000's.

[@Jason-fm3yj]

Jesus. Got me twice tonight. Commenting twice on two separate videos of the same song. So much talent in this room. I'm amazed at how you all work together. Holy wow. See me fall from your eyes to your waist. What an amazing lyric. Thanks again.

[@bizbabo2982]

I’m so glad they are still around

[@emilydodson7868]

This man groomed a 16 year old to marry him

[@drinkzcoffee5183]

Rhye constantly reminds my soul to do what it needs to do. Much Love and Thanks ♡

[@jamessmith6061]

drink z coffee 🐾

[@keithdoeskungfu]

Wow! first time hearing this band and I'm transfixed. Everyone is talking about the singer but this band is TIGHT yall...beautiful. Totally deserves the Sade comparisons. As always, impeccable mixing and sound acoustics from TDC

[@syreetaseve1398]

Yes, the band is SO funky with it

[@boomboom6577]

I keep this album in heavy rotation. It’s perfect through and through.

[@KeenanReimerWatts]

I'm the earth, and not even I knew that this much soul existed here. Hats off!

[@natashaocasio6261]

this is so incredible i have no words. the harmonies are just WOW

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

'taste' has slowly but steadily become my favorite track off this record.

[@alanas.6793]

k a y l e e I’m into count to five. Whole album though. Awesome.

[@hazel-rah1216]

it is creeping up on me too, like slowly but steadily becoming one of my favorite songs.

[@evanpragliola4947]

yo same but the guitar solo totally ruins it in my opinion

[@Unidentified_userr]

Facts. The guitar solo definitely boost it

[@anapaulalopeznieto167]

This moves my heart so much ... this is for sure how paradise sounds.

[@kalebsuedfeld6651]

I think I've listened to this about 50 times now. That guitar solo, man.

[@montseasc]

This version of Taste is a work of art

[@anarossetto5313]

This was so beautiful! I feel bad and sad for never heard of them before

[@mpumelelomagudulela9109]

Was listening to these guys in my high school days back around 2012.. I'm glad they still making good music.

[@A.D.D.I.E.]

@NPRMusic This is absolutely beautiful. I had never heard of Rhye until I found this the other day. Thank you for exposing so many brilliant musicians, well-known and unknown! I would say I now watch Tiny Desk Concert more than any other KZbin channel. Your videography and sound quality is second to none, seriously!!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@rastishka29]

One of my favorite Tiny Desk performances! I keep rewatching it again and again, so captivating 💔

[@kimsherlock888]

TINY Desk Thank you for giving us so much love and beauty all because of your Tiny Desk

[@LexMassive]

Never heard of these guys. This is a sublime performance.

[@kraziii07]

Npr and Rhye! Step aside monday blues

[@ankatankafx7118]

i haven't feel music this way in a while .. thank you ! I'm speechless ..

[@djtaitai]

I heard a song by them called “open” on Spotify. Beautiful song but I could’ve sworn that was a fm voice. This tiny desk was just as lovely.

[@Sino688]

I am so moved, I feel understood, seen even. Ahh this is BEAUTIFUL

[@khatijahrahmat1461]

That Rhye is a dude shooketh me but in a good way - just had a different image in my head for so long

[@oaikanyegarakumakoe5185]

I always thought it was the lady on the cover of his albums

[@alishaxoxos]

Milosh - That Voice!!!! ❤️❤️

[@bidibibip]

Taste... this song has grown on me so much - i cannot express how much i love it! :D Beautiful performance

[@afleming7282]

Imagine a collaboration with Rhye and Daft Punk for the song "Taste".

[@pERKDIZZLE]

Or LCD Soundsystem

[@sallyaiello7563]

Someone please make that happen

[@robertoperugini7137]

bonobo+Rhye= pure magic

[@neindra]

@@robertoperugini7137 already happened. Break apart 😢

[@MET709]

I've been listening to this once or twice a week, for like two months now. Thanks NPR!

[@manoeloliveira5198]

I like this version of "Taste" better than the studio version.

[@ruthannon7272]

Check out the live version from their recording at Charles de Gaulle airport. So good.

[@lmostbeck]

rhye really touched my soul. milosh has a beautiful voice and his lyrics go so deep. during my entire studies i retreated to their music in stressful times and even after many years their songs still bring me bliss :)

[@VincentCordel]

Kudos to Josh Rogosin and the NPR team. Sound is amazing as usual.

[@kristaselene]

Still haven't had the pleasure to see Rhye in my city. Thanks for bringing them to my living room.

[@milan82ca]

So glad they're back and that this album is as good as 'Woman'. Same amazing sound. I remember when I thought it was a woman singing too, but that only lasted for a couple months and became a true fan. I will forever be thankful to CBC Radio 2's show "The Signal" with Laurie Brown for introducing me to this band.

[@elephantisland-audioproduk6020]

Classy, unique, simple and magnificent.

[@JackalJayzer]

oh damn when I saw " Milosh" I thought it was just a coincidence I remember catching the Milosh track "The City" on music blogs back in 2006 probably listened to it a thousand times glad to see he's still making music

[@arubalcaba]

same!

[@boomboom6577]

Love Milosh too!

[@OdgeBrown]

Every Tiny Desk concert should start with "We are the NPR sound engineers, and this is our Masterclass". They did Rhye and her band real justice! I mean his...

[@kevinhanson6106]

Seriously Amazing craftsmanship!

[@carolinaalkeyler4317]

I need all those band from Tiny Desk on my spotify playlist

[@ebenezermemani4097]

i'll forever love this performance

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Thank you NPR for featuring Milosh and Rhye who I lovingly have been following for years ! I hope more people discover what they have been missing! This is so wonderful they are all just such incredible talented artists ! Love from Boston 💕

[@SmallMartingale]

I saw the thumbnail and came for a laugh, but I stayed for the super chill vibes...

[@cherylfinch3687]

That band is everything!

[@lidiabenitez9502]

Acabo de descubrir a este músico y cantante genial, que por cierto en su música y voz me recordó a Sade, y me ha impactado y encantado! Fall la mejor y Taste también! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@Ultraviolencari]

How am I just knowing this ?!?! Milosh' voice is soooo sooothing. And those candles on the set. Nice!!

[@ruthganan]

Every time I hear this performance I love it more

[@alexhdex]

I found Rhye today, only to discover that incredible front man’s voice

[@GX488BABY]

I never clicked on a video so fast in my life! Love Rhye

[@gggiovannamoraes]

really love the candles - really helped set the mood :))

[@robynhartzenberg8724]

been so in love with Rhye for so long... this does NOT help! gorgeous music!

[@ApLemon]

Last song made me shed a tear.. pure art.. oh myyy.. they are awsome musicians!!!